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About Us

Dr Bren Whelan | Ireland’s Leading Mountain Instructor & Adventure Tourism Expert

WMCI & IML Qualified | Expert Witness | PhD Adventure Tourism Research | Wild Atlantic Way Specialist

About Dr Bren Whelan

Dr Bren Whelan is Ireland’s premier mountain training specialist and adventure tourism expert, holding the highest mountain instructional qualifications available in the UK and Ireland. Based on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way in County Donegal, Dr Whelan combines 30+ years international mountain experience with PhD research expertise and specialist expert witness services.

Key Credentials at a Glance

    • Winter Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor (WMCI) – Highest UK/Ireland qualification
    • International Mountain Leader (IML) – Premier international mountain guide
    • PhD Tourism & Business – Ulster University (2025)
    • 30+ years global mountain experience across multiple continents
    • Former Director of Mountaineering – Ireland’s National Mountain Centre
    • Specialist Expert Witness – Irish court system adventure activity cases
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International Qualifications

  • NZMGA Summer Alpine Guide Training (New Zealand)
  • ENSA Alpine Instructor Award (France)
  • BASI Alpine Ski Instructor (European Alps)
  • Leave No Trace Advanced Trainer
  • Fáilte Ireland Certified Guide

Academic Achievement

  • Associate Fellow – Higher Education Academy
  • MSc International Business – First Class Honours
  • UN International Mountain Day Environmental Award
  • Published researcher in adventure tourism and safety management

Geographic Expertise

Primary Base: County Donegal, Ireland

Wild Atlantic Way specialist offering unique access to:

  • Malin Head – Ireland’s most northerly point
  • Inishowen Peninsula – Spectacular sea cliff climbing
  • Blue Stack Mountains – Premier mountaineering terrain
  • Glenveagh National Park – Environmental education opportunities

Global Experience

30+ years international mountain experience:

  • European Alps – France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy
  • New Zealand – Southern Alps adventure tourism
  • Canada – Rocky Mountain wilderness guiding
  • Scotland – Highland mountaineering and winter skills
  • Australia – Outdoor education and adventure training

Why Choose Dr Bren Whelan?

Unparalleled Qualifications

✓ Highest mountain instructional awards in UK/Ireland
✓ PhD-level expertise in tourism and safety management
✓ 30+ years proven experience across global mountain environments
✓ Former national centre director with institutional leadership experience

Specialist Expertise

✓ Expert witness services for legal and insurance cases
✓ Wild Atlantic Way authority with local knowledge and access
✓ Academic research backing practical instruction
✓ Sustainable tourism and environmental education focus

Professional Standards

✓ Fully insured and professionally qualified
✓ Continuous professional development and industry engagement
✓ Small group ratios ensuring personalised attention
✓ Flexible programmes tailored to individual requirements

Professional Memberships & Certifications

  • Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) – Professional Member
  • Mountain Training Board Ireland (MTBI) – Approved Provider
  • Ulster University – PhD Tourism & Business
  • Fáilte Ireland – Tourism Guide

Experience world-class mountain training and adventure tourism activities with Ireland’s most qualified mountain specialist. From Wild Atlantic Way adventures to expert witness services, Dr Bren Whelan delivers unparalleled expertise backed by academic research and more than three decades of international mountain experience.

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